E-Z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system

ABSTRACT

The E-z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system is a handicap ramp that is adjustable by means of pivoting mounting brackets on each end of the plank as well as a universal transition component that can be adjusted vertically and be used either straight or at a 90 degree angle. The ramp is constructed of fiberglass composite material with a reinforcement molded into each end for added strength around the mounting bracket bolts, all brackets and bolts are constructed of aluminum or stainless steel for corrosion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,874

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The E-Z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system is designed toreduce the costs and time associated with the building of wooden orconcrete ramps at residential dwellings. Requiring only simple handtools to install, the E-Z Ramp system may be installed by the homeowneror contractor in a fraction of the time and cost associated withbuilding wooden or concrete ramps, and will last longer than thetraditional wooden ramp. E-Z Ramp can also be removable and will keepthe original house steps in place.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

-   -   A) E-Z Ramp can be installed in hours, not days like wooden or        concrete ramps.    -   B) E-Z Ramp system has an available Universal transition for        installations that require more than twelve feet of ramp (more        than one foot of rise from ground to entry)    -   C) E-Z Ramp has a non-skid surface for traction, and raised four        inch wide sides for safety and to accommodate a wide variety of        railing choices.    -   D) The twelve foot lengths of ramp platform and available        transitions allows that the system will always meet the standard        for building codes, twelve feet of ramp for every one foot of        rise.    -   E) The adjustable pivoting mounting brackets allow for        variations in height while still allowing the platforms mount        flush to entry ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 Details adjustable mounting bracket and its arching movement inrelation to a step or dwelling foundation and how it mounts.

FIG. 2 Details a cross-cut section of the mounting bracket showing themale and female ends of the bracket when engaged together.

FIG. 3 Details the slotted adjustment holes on the ends of the mountingbrackets.

FIG. 4 Details the ramp plank and its shape and configuration inrelation to the raised sides and reinforcement plates.

FIG. 5 Details the reinforcement plate with pre-drilled mounting holes.

FIG. 6 Details the universal transition and its components, specificallythe molded top with bolt-on side rail to allow for straight or “L”shaped configurations, the angle legs, and the one piece molded bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

E-Z Ramp twelve foot ramp platforms and universal transition componentsshould be constructed of ⅜″ thick FRP composite fiberglass constructionfor strength either by use of hand lay up or preferably by vacuuminfusion, the reinforcement plates at both ends should be infused intothe material or adhered with methacrylic adhesive. Reinforcement platesshould be constructed of stainless steel or aluminum for corrosionresistance. Both the ramp platforms and transition tops will be coatedwith a non-skid textured surface.

E-Z Ramp adjustable mounting brackets to be constructed out of ⅜″ thickstainless steel or aluminum, depending on type of construction (weldedor machined) gussets may need to be added for extra strength. Holes inbrackets are to allow for ½″ diameter stainless steel bolts and lagscrews (included in kit to assure that proper mounting is performed).All components are to be pre-drilled to assure proper installation.

E-Z Ramp has four inch raised sides for safety and to allow thepurchaser to choose any type of railing that they would prefer, such asdecorative wood, vinyl, or steel.

E-Z Ramp has three adjustable mounting brackets at each end of the rampplatform to allow for adjustment in getting the platform to align withthreshold. The adjustable mounting bracket design also allows for quickand easy installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A ramp system comprised of at least three adjustable mounting bracketsconsisting of one male 1, and one female end 2 each, male end withpre-drilled mounting holes and female end with curvature slot 3 to allowfor carriage bolt to be installed when bracket is installed in its finalposition. An adjustable bracket that slides in an arching motion 4,containing slotted holes in the end of the bracket 5 for addedadjustment at the mounting point 10. One end of mounting bracket mountsto plank 13 through reinforcement plate 13 and its mounting holes 14 byuse of carriage bolts 6. The other end of the bracket connects to thehouse or dwelling 8 by use of lag screws for wood or expansion anchorsfor concrete 7, slots and arching adjustment allow for ease ofinstallation 9.

Connected to the mounting brackets the plank section(s) 11 are moldedFRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) construction with non-skid surface.The reinforcement plates 13 are either infused into the plank or adheredin a comparable manor and contain three sets of mounting holes 14 toallow for connection to mounting brackets. The raised sides 12 allow fora wide range of railing choices and aide in keeping wheel chairs on theramp for safety.

A universal transition consisting of a molded top 15 with a bolt-on siderail 16 to allow for a straight or “L” shaped configuration 17. Fourangle shaped legs 18 available in different lengths for different heightrequirements. A one piece molded bottom 19, all of the transitioncomponents are bolted together through pre-drilled holes 20.

1. A ramp assembly for installation on a home or building havingadjustable mounting brackets which comprises: a) a “C” shaped adjustablemounting bracket which extends from the ramp plank to the structure inan arch with a flat steel plate on each end with slotted holes formounting; b) a “C” shaped mounting bracket consisting of one male andone female end that when engaged form a “C” shape and slide along anarch; c) a mounting bracket with a slotted end and an end that ispredrilled with mounting holes which lock with the addition of acarriage bolt.
 2. A ramp assembly for installation on a home or buildingwhich keeps existing steps intact which comprises: a) at least one rampplank with raised sides and nonskid surface; b) a “C” shaped mountingbracket with slotted holes and male and female ends that slide on anarch which allows one end to be mounted to steps and on end to the rampplank;
 3. A ramp assembly which can be extended in a straight line or inan “L” formation which comprises: a) a transition with four adjustablelegs; b) a transition with a molded bottom which may be filled withconcrete or sand; c) a bolt on side wall which can be bolted parallel orin an “L” shape to the top molded section.